ARTICULATE youngsters made themselves clearly heard in a public speaking contest.

Students from five schools took to the podium in Bishop Auckland Rotary Club's competition, held in the grand surroundings of Auckland Castle last Wednesday.

Twelve competitors spoke on subjects ranging from fatherless families to the internet.

Anna Donaghy, from Wolsingham Comprehensive School came first in the junior category with her speech on the influence of television. Claire Philipson, from St Anne's High School, Wolsingham, came first in the intermediate section with her talk on leprosy and Emily Swinton, from St John's RC Comprehensive, Bishop Auckland, won first place in the senior section, with her talk against media self-regulation.

St Anne's High School won £600 for the overall winning school.

Darlington and Stockton Times editor Malcolm Warne, chairman of the judges, congratulated all the competitors, saying they should be very proud.